A London pub is facing having its hours slashed after a single noise complaint was made to a Labour-led council.
The World’s End in Finsbury Park, which has hosted gigs from acts including Mumford & Sons and Ed Sheeran is now facing a licensing review after a noise complaint was made to Islington council.
If the review was passed, there could also be a ban on live music and airing live football as well as the implementation of an 11pm closing time or a ban on outside eating and drinking.
The exact reason behind the sole noise complaint is not known, however it’s likely to become clearer when the case is brought before Islington council’s licensing sub-committee on February 11.
A spokesman for the pub, owned by Greene King’s Metropolitan Pub Company, told The Telegraph: “Our pub is a much-loved venue that has been operating for many years.
“We remain committed to working constructively with our neighbours, local residents and the council to ensure we can continue to serve the local community.”
A spokesman for Islington council confirmed that the licensing review application had been submitted by an individual local resident.
They added: “Islington council, like any other licensing authority, has a legal duty to ensure all licensed premises adhere to the conditions of their licence.
“Licences are underpinned by four licensing objectives, preventing crime and disorder, preventing public nuisance, ensuring public safety and protecting children from harm.”
The World’s End in Finsbury Park could be hit with new measures
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The spokesman added: “We aim to balance the interests of businesses with those of residents who may be affected by the activities of those businesses.
“We work with licensed premises to find solutions to issues that might arise.”
First opening under the name “The Earl of Essex”, the North London pub has been pulling pints since 1874.
The pub has become known as a spot where up-and-coming musicians are able to get their start performing in front of live audiences.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
The World’s End is popular with music and football fans
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One of those who got their start is multi platinum selling singer songwriter Ed Sheeran, who credited the area around the pub as being the inspiration for some of his earliest tracks.
Back in 2022, Mr Sheeran wrote: “I lived all over London back then, wherever anyone would have me, but Finsbury is where I’d spend most of my evenings coz of the open mic nights there run by my mates.
“I first moved up in 2008 and on my first night got inspired to write my song The City, which was the first song written and recorded for my debut album +.”
The pub is also a match-day favourite with football fans due to its close proximity to Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.
Ed Sheeran got his start playing at the London pub
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GETTY
Pubs and live music venues in England will benefit from 15 per cent off their business rates bills from April, after warnings from the sector that changes from November’s autumn budget would lead to mass closures and job losses.
Other hospitality businesses such as hotels, restaurants and cafes will not receive additional support despite their own concerns over soaring tax bills.
In the budget, the Treasury announced changes to business rates which introduced a lower multiplier used to calculate the commercial property tax.
This was more than offset by the removal of a Covid-era 40 per cent discount to business rates bills for hospitality, leisure and retail businesses, as well as new property valuations.
The Chancellor introduced transitional relief to manage increases to rates bills over the next three years after the removal of sector discounts.
However, industry bodies UKHospitality and the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) had warned that pub business rates bills would still increase by an average of 15 per cent, or £1,400, in April without an intervention.
Shadow Duchy of Lancaster Alex Burghart slammed the decision
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GB NEWS
Shadow Duchy of Lancaster Alex Burghart told GB News: “It’s too little, too late. What the Government should be doing is what the Conservatives said, what Kemi announced at a party conference in October. Just scrap business rates.
“Cut public spending. Scrap business rates. That’s what’s going to breathe life into our high streets.
“The tiny concession they made yesterday is a small reduction in the increase.
“Nobody in the Labour cabinet ever worked in business. They have absolutely no experience of the private sector. They don’t know what it’s like to have to make paychecks out for your for your staff.”